Easy Veggie Stir-Fry: A Quick and Healthy Meal

Looking for a simple yet nutritious dinner that can be ready in no time? Try our easy veggie stir-fry recipe! This dish is packed with fresh vegetables and comes together in just 20 minutes. It serves four people, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal.

Ingredients

• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Vegetable or chicken broth for thinning the stir-fry to your liking
• Peanuts or cashews (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

To start, prepare all of your vegetables. While you can use fresh veggies from a grocery store, you may also opt for frozen stir-fry packs which are convenient and already pre-cut.

1. In a large pan or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
2. Add minced garlic and ginger; sauté for about 30 seconds to release their flavors without burning them. Garlic is a great flavor enhancer in stir-fries.
3. Throw in the bell pepper, carrot, and broccoli florets. Stir-fry these vegetables until they start to soften slightly but still have a bit of crunch. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
4. Mix soy sauce into the pan if desired for extra flavor; however, this step is optional depending on your taste preference.
5. Thin out with some vegetable or chicken broth to achieve the consistency you prefer. Continue cooking until all vegetables are tender yet crisp, around another 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed by adding more soy sauce if preferred.

The stir-fry is now ready! Serve it hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with peanuts or cashews for extra crunch and color.

Why Choose This Recipe?

This veggie stir-fry is not only easy to make but also full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from the various vegetables used. It’s an excellent way to incorporate more greens into your diet without needing complex cooking techniques or expensive ingredients. Plus, it uses mostly common pantry staples that are likely already at home, making it both economical and convenient.

Tips for Success

• Choose firm vegetables like broccoli florets instead of soft ones when possible; they hold their shape better during stir-frying.
• Ensure the pan or wok is sufficiently heated before adding ingredients to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
• If using fresh bell peppers, ensure you slice them into thin strips for even cooking. Thicker slices may take longer to cook through without becoming mushy.

Variations

Feel free to customize this stir-fry based on your preferences or what ingredients you have on hand:

• Add tofu or chicken for extra protein.
• Incorporate other vegetables such as snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms.
• Use a different sauce like hoisin instead of soy sauce if preferred.

No matter how you choose to adjust the recipe, this easy veggie stir-fry remains simple yet delightful. Enjoy your meal and happy cooking!